British support for the Autonomy Plan: a diplomatic victory for Morocco
The position of the United Kingdom, which has described the autonomy initiative proposed by the Moroccan kingdom as serious, credible and realistic, reinforces this upward trend and constitutes qualitative support from a major power with a permanent seat on the Security Council, which has traditionally been neutral.
Current changes on the international scene, whether due to increased security threats in the Sahel and West Africa or global geopolitical transformations, have led several influential countries to reconsider their traditional positions on this artificial conflict. In this context, Morocco has emerged as a stable regional power with an advanced economy and growing credibility in its international relations. With continued diplomatic success, it is clear that Morocco is moving steadily forward to consolidate its position as a reliable and preferred partner for numerous influential capitals in global decision-making.
The United Kingdom's recognition of the autonomy initiative does not come in isolation, but is the logical outcome of active diplomacy led by the United Kingdom under high royal guidance, which has made the Sahara an essential yardstick for measuring the authenticity of international alliances and the strength of strategic partnerships.
Moroccan diplomacy, with an architecture guided directly by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, has been instrumental in securing this new stance and providing the right political environment for this major achievement. London, which until recently preferred to limit itself to supporting UN efforts without clearly engaging in the nature of the solution, has today chosen to align itself with realism, overcoming its traditional neutrality and joining major countries that support the Moroccan proposal, such as the United States, France and Spain.
What gives this change greater strategic value is its coincidence with the United Kingdom's desire to consolidate new economic partnerships following its departure from the European Union. It now sees Morocco not only as a political ally, but also as an economic platform, an emerging energy power and a rising player, particularly in the field of green energy transition. In this context, the energy interconnection project between southern Morocco and the United Kingdom stands out, which seeks to export green energy to more than seven million British people, this being one of the main incentives behind the British repositioning on the conflict.
It cannot be ruled out that this position will evolve towards more concrete steps in the near future. Although British recognition begins with strong support for the Moroccan proposal, it also includes significant investments of over 5 billion pounds sterling for strategic projects in the southern regions, particularly in the cities of Dakhla and Laayoune. This translates into de facto recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over its southern provinces and reflects the depth of trust and partnership between the two kingdoms.
In this dynamic context, the British position represents a significant step forward towards resolving the artificial conflict over the Moroccan Sahara and is a clear sign that the world no longer tolerates fictitious entities or separatist theses that only generate tension and chaos. The international focus is now on realistic political solutions and partners who demonstrate seriousness in achieving stability and development. Morocco, with its balanced initiatives such as the Atlantic Initiative and its measured approach to international conflicts, has earned the respect of the major powers at a time when the credibility of its adversaries is plummeting and their ability to influence international institutions is waning.
In conclusion, the British position, in terms of its symbolism and content, not only represents a victory for Morocco in the battle for political legitimacy, but also marks a qualitative change in the international community's perception of the Algerian fallacy and its creation, the Polisario. The moment of truth has come, thanks to real diplomacy that never tires or gives up. International consensus is gradually shifting towards the Moroccan approach, and the contours of a new phase are taking shape, whose motto is: there is no place for illusion in the balance of legitimacy.
Morocco is in its Sahara and the Sahara is in Morocco.
Lahoucine Bekkar Sbaai, lawyer at the Bar Association of the Courts of Appeal of Agadir and Laayoune, researcher on migration and human rights, and expert on the Moroccan Sahara conflict.
Translation from Arabic by: Abdessamad Benyaich